Chapter 18- This time, when Jefferson has visitors he decides indifferently that he wants to meet them in the day room. Miss Emma, Tante Lou, and the Reverend go to meet Jefferson. It's very hard to see him because his hands and feet are shackled. Miss Emma tries her hardest to get some acknowledgment from Jefferson. She tries to get him to eat. She offers, and she even tried hand feeding him; he wouldn't eat. A few days later Grant visits Jefferson. Just like the previous days, Jefferson refuses to eat, even when Grant eats in front of him. Jefferson still thinks he's a hog. They start talking about if He was born or died on Christmas. Then Jefferson remembers He was nailed to the cross on Easter. Jefferson still doesn't believe he is a human, simply a hog.
Chapter 19- It's Christmas time and Grant puts on a program for the community. The kids find a small pine tree. Under that one small simple gift that the kids help raised money for.
The kids put on the program, and others sing songs. People in the community who did not normally show up for Church, showed up because they knew they were doing it for Jefferson. It was a great turn out seeing so many people. However, Grant is getting sick of the routine of the Christmas program. Maybe that's not the only thing that needs to change.... Death Penalty, Inhumane?(Even in today's society the death penalty is under big discussion whether it is humane and inhumane. And in today's more radical world, it would seem to be more acceptable, but yet its still a sticky situation. So as far back as this book, and with racial discrimination, its a hard thing to face.)
Chapter 20- This is a crucial chapter. Grant is called down to Mr. Henri's immediately to talk. As Reverend and Grant wait in Mr. Henri's house, they seem anxious. Once Ms. Inez brings them in, Guirdy, the sheriff, arrives a little bit later. Mr. Henri and Guirdy precede to tell Reverend and Grant the date of Jefferson's execution. It will be the friday after Easter and between twelve and three. The same time when He died. Grant askes why that day, and he finds out its because it couldnt happen before Easter due to lent, and had to be the week after for the same reason. Grant seems distraught, and begins to think. White men decided to sentence him, and now a white man was deciding when Jefferson should die? Seems a little inhumane to let anyone pick another person's death...
Chapter 21- Earlier Grant was chosen to tell Miss Emma of Jefferson's unfortunate fate. But he did not want to. But Grant finally decides to come home, where many people are there. Grant sees her laying under her quilt and seeming very sick. Grant goes home, eats, and starts a few fires to warm the house. Then, Vivian is at the door. They have some coffee and get to talking about being together. Whether Vivian should stop in at Miss Emma's or not. Vivian is nervous because she wants everyone to like her. Grant lets her know that regardless if they do or not, he just wants her. They decide to head over and see her. As Grant introduces Vivian to people, he then goes to see Miss Emma. She lets him know she doesnt know when she can go see Jefferson again because she is so sick. Miss Emma just wants Reverend and Grant to get along. Vivian and Grant end up going to the Rainbow Club. They begin talking, and Vivian asks if Irene is in love with him. They start to argue. Basically Grant states that all black men end up leaving, and because of that, Irene just wants him to be around because no other men in her life were. This is just a vicious cycle that Miss Emma wants to be broken by Jefferson's case. Vivian asks if this cycle never ends, and Grant replies, "It's up to Jefferson, my love."
Chapter 22- In this chapter, Grant decides to go visit Jefferson; this time in his cell. Grant was the first visitor since Jefferson finding out the date of his death. Grant walks in, and sets food on the floor by him. Jefferson ends up asking what day it is, and if today was going to be like :that: day. Grant replies with, "I hope its the kind of day you want,Jefferson." Jefferson starts to get a little angry. He had never gotten anything he wanted his whole life. Jefferson is then quiet. He starts to speak again, saying how he wants a gallon of vanilla ice cream and wants it on that last day. As Grant continues to try and cheer him up, he decides he will buy Jefferson a radio. Grant goes straight to rainbow and collects the 20 dollars needed for the radio. He then buys the radio and brings to to the sheriffs office to give to Jefferson. After he leaves the office, he goes back to Rainbow, hoping Vivian will be there so they can sit in "semidarkness" alone.
Chapter 23- In this chapter, Grant has gotten Jefferson a radio. Grant found out that ever since he has dropped it off for Jefferson he hasn't turned it off. Emma, Tante Lou, and Reverand Ambrose all went to visit Jefferson but they had to go to his jail cell this time instead of the day room because Jefferson didn't want to be away from his radio. After the visit had happened, Emma Tante Lou and Reverand Ambrose sat down and talked to Grant about how they didn't like it at all that he had given Jefferson that "sin box." They all referred to the radio as a sin box because it played music other than the music that was played at church. After this confrentation, Grant went back to visit Jefferson with some nuts and candy. They talk for a little bit about the radio and then Grant comes up with the idea that Jefferson should have a notebook and pen so he can write his thoughts down that he wants to express. Grant then leaves after Jefferson tells him to thank the children for the nuts that they gathered for him.
1900's Radio
Chapter 24- This chapter starts out with Grant going with Emma, Tante Lou, and Reverand Ambrose to visit Jefferson once again. They all meet Jefferson in the day room where he is shackled. Emma offers Jefferson some Gumbo but Jefferson turns down the offer. Grant decides to take Jefferson on a walk around the day room to explain basically, a life lesson. Grant explains that Jefferson needs to stand up to the old myth that everyone is living by. "White people believe that they're better than everyone else on earth - and thats a myth." He explains that the last thing the white people would ever want to see would be for a black man to stand up for his rights and his race. Grant says he would never be capable of doing such a thing and that he wants Jefferson to "chip away" at this myth. Grant tells Jefferson that he is no hero but that Jefferson could be a great hero. He tells Jefferson that he has a great chance of being a bigger person than anyone on that plantation and that he wants him to show that to everyone. By the end of Grant's speech, both men were crying. Rosa Parks Standing Up For Her Rights The Way Grant Wanted Jefferson To Stand Up For His
Chapter 25- Grant walks into the Rainbow Springs after he is done visiting Jefferson. He is hoping to talk to Vivian about the great progress that he is making with Jefferson. Grant notices that the Reverand is upset that he isn't the one making the proper progress with Jefferson but Grant is instead. Vivian isn't there once Grant arrives so he decides to grab a seat at the bar and grab a drink until she got there. Grant then overhears two white carpenters in the back booth talking about the situation with Jefferson and what Grant was doing about it. After a while of these two men making inappropriate comments and finally snickering at Grant as he got up from the bar to leave Grant lost it and got into a huge fist fight with them and ended up being knocked unconcience by the owner Claiborne. Chapter 26- Grant wakes up from the big fight at Rainbow Sprig in Vivian's house flustered and confused. Vivian explains what happened with Claiborne and the two men and then things start to heat up between Grant and herself. Vivian says that she is disgusted with the way that Grant acted about things and thats how men get killed. Aside from the fact that she is upset about the entire situation, she tells Grant that he should stay the night because of the condition that he is in. She then starts to fix up some dinner for the two of them. After they both sit down to eat, Vivian explains that her ex husband wont allow the divorce to happen unless that it is agreed upon that he can see the children every weekend. Grant quickly gets upset and starts telling Vivian that he needs her. Grant knows she is upset already about what he has done and tells her that he will go once dinner is over. The night ended with Vivian asking "What is love?" after Grant tells her that he loves her and that she wants some answers. Grant almost storms out the door into a dark night but then holds back and finally ends up going back and burying his face in Vivian's lap.
Some important and helpful quotes from the book, helps us with a better understanding. A Lesson Before Dying Quotes
How Grant Changed.
Grant has changed a little bit throughout the book. In the beginning, when he was asked/ told to go to the jail and visit Jefferson, he really didn’t want to go. At first he was ok going as long as he went with Miss Emma. Then he started going by himself, even though he wasn’t really getting anywhere with Jefferson. And even though Jefferson hardly said anything, Grant still kept trying. When Jefferson started talking more, Grant started bringing him things. Grant was always bringing the food that Miss Emma made until she was able to visit Jefferson again and bring the food herself. Grant then stared bringing Jefferson things himself. Grant brought Jefferson a radio to keep in cell to keep him entertained. Once Grant gave him that radio, Jefferson started talking more and opening up. After that, Grant got a notebook and pencil for Jefferson so he could right down his thoughts when they came to him. This way, Grant could get a better understanding of what was going on in Jefferson's head because Jefferson didn't talk too much.Grant went from not wanting to visit Jefferson, to buying things for him, and really opening up to him.
Grants Mask
Grant creates for the reader an image of himself as a tough guy school teacher but his mask is covering who he really is. In one scene in chapter 5, it is describing how brutal Grant is on his children. For an example in this particular scene, Grant states, "Everything was irritating me. I Caught one of the students trying to figure out a simple multiplication problem on his fingers, and I slashed him hard across the butt" (35). This shows where the school teacher part of him comes in. In addition the tough guy part of Grants image comes in when he takes up a fight at the bar because of him over hearing a conversation about Jefferson. The fight is three to one, Jefferson to 3 other guys. It ends with the bartender breaking it up, no one winning, and Vivian coming to get Grant to take care of him.
Underneath this image of mask, the readers find out who he really is. Grant is talking to Jefferson and confesses to him about what he really feels. He states, "I need you much more than you could ever need me. I need to know what to do with my life. I want to fun away, but go where and do what? I'm needed here and I know it, but i feel that all I'm doing here is choking myself. I need someone to tell me what to do. I need you to tell me, to show me. I'm no her; I can just give something small. That's all I have to offer. It is the only way that we can ship away at the myth. You- you can be bigger than anyone I have ever met," which would include himself (193). This shows Grant is lost in a way. He doesn't know what to do, where to go, and what is right from wrong when it comes down to himself. He puts on a strong image for the children at school but behind closed doors, he is far from a strong individual.
Jefferson's mask:
‘ “Nothing don’t matter,” he said, looking up at the ceiling but not seeing the ceiling.’ This quote shows that Jefferson is wearing a carefree “mask”. Nothing he eats, none of the people he sees, and nothing he does matters to him. He feels that since he is going to the chair soon anyways, it won’t make a difference whether he eats the food, talks to the people, etc. As characters in the book, it is hard to see past this quote that shows that Jefferson doesn’t care. As a reader however, it is clear that he does care even if he doesn’t say he does. He wants to live the best he can before he has to go to the chair. He likes when people, Grant especially, visit him. You can tell that he is putting on the mask of carelessness. ‘ “I want me a whole gallona ice cream”, he said, still looking out the window. I saw a slight smile come on his face, and it was not a bitter smile. Not bitter at all.’ Jefferson can still be happy that he has a little time to live and that Grant is willing to bring him little things to keep him happy until his death. Grant has this same mask on around his aunt. You can tell he cares because he is willing to get Jefferson those things. And, when he gets his radio, he even goes back and gives it to him the same day, along with making sure that it was a new radio. In the beginning, Jefferson was timid and quietly accepted the punishment he knew he did not deserve; that being the death penalty and time in jail. He is stubborn and set in his “ways” and not a soul was going to change that. The first time we see this is during Grant’s first visit to Jefferson in his jail cell. “I’m an old hog,” “you’re a human being too Jefferson” “I’m an old hog…old hog they fattening up to kill for Christmas,” At this point in the conversation between Grant and Jefferson, it seems inevitable that Jefferson will die a hog. That is his own view of himself and that’s how it is going to be. At this time, he proceeded to show Grant how much of a hog he was by eating like a hog from the floor. After some time however, and countless unsuccessful visits, he began to warm up to Grant. He started to want specific things. He could open up and talk to Grant, showing he is becoming less hard headed. Him and Grant began to bond, visiting eachother more often and someimtes in the dayroom. Jefferson does not yet call himself a man yet he no longer calls himself a hog. At one point, he actually cries, showing he has feelings again (a sign of humanity). “He smiled now because he had something pleasant to look forward to,” (170-171). Jefferson requested Ice Cream for his last Day. A WHOLE GALLON. He has wishes, requests. He is happy and wants to be, he knows his fate is his fate so he might as well go happy. Jefferson has changed in that he now accepts help and comfort of others. This is happy. J
Week 3:
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1- "I WAS NOT THERE, yet i was there." This is how the book starts. The book is believed to be begin this way so the reader has to hear Jefferson's story and pick which side we think is right; Jefferson's or the courts. In the first chapter we meet a few key people in the book. Jefferson, the man accused of a brutal crime. We meet Brother and Bear, the two men who actually did the crime. It is told that Brother and Bear picked up Jefferson so make a run to this liquor store ran by Mr. Gropé. Mr. Gropé was confronted by Brother and Bear. Jefferson was just standing there watching what was going down. Brother and Bear want some booze but don't have enough to pay for it, so they proceed to take it anyways. Mr. Gropé says no, don't come any further. Then there were some shots fired and everyone but Jefferson ended up dead. However, the court finds Jefferson guilty because he was the only one there, and he's a black lower class individual so of course, he must be wrong. Jefferson's lawyer/attorney presents the case that Jefferson is not a man, he didn't know any different. He took the money and booze because he was scared and didn't know what else to do, but he did not kill anyone. Why would Mr. Gropé shoot Brother and Bear but not Jefferson? Because he did nothing wrong. We also meet Jeffersons grandmother and godmother. Jefferson is accused of being a hog, and not a man. The end of this chapter gives Jefferson's death penalty: death by electrocution(the electric chair.)
Chapter 2- In chapter two, we meet even more new characters. It starts off in the first person, most likely the narrator of the book, Grant. Grant goes home to his aunt Tante Lou and Miss Emma. In this chapter the reader finds out that Grant is a teacher. The chapter starts out with Grant, Tante Lou, and Miss Emma talking. The ladies bring up Jefferson's trial and how they "called him a hog." And how they gave Jefferson death. Then the point was brought up that Jefferson should die a man, not a hog. They want Grant to go talk to Jefferson and try to make him a man. Just as Grant was about to leave to Bayonne Miss Emma and Tante Lou wouldn't let him leave unless he went to the quarters to speak with Mr. Henri. In the end of the chapter they are all about to head out and go see Mr. Henri.
Chapter 3- This chapter is where Grant, Tante Lou, and Miss Emma arrive at the plantation where Mr. Henri is. They walk in and see the maid, Inez Lane. Inez Lane then asks what they need and she goes to get Mr. Henri. Meanwhile Grant starts having flashbacks to when he used to be on the plantation. He had flashbacks about bringing in wood from outside, and picking fruit. At that time Miss Emma was the cook meaning she was at the plantation too. Once Inez came back, Miss Emma started talking to Mr. Henri. Miss Emma was asking the favor of Mr. Henri to help Jefferson in his trial so he knew he wasnt a hog, but that he was man. Mr. Henri responded that he couldnt gaurantee anything,and that he would talk but that it wasnt up to him, it was up to Jefferson. then when Miss Emma kept talking Mr. Henri ignored her and kept drinking and talking to his friend. Miss Emma is giving up on the fact that Jefferson will die a hog.
Chapter 4: Grant has just gotten back from seeing Henri Pichot at his house with Emma and Tante Lou and decides that he needs to go to the Rainbow Club, a typical hangout spot, to clear his mind of things. When he arrives, he calls Vivan, which is his lover at the time, to come meet him there because he wants to see her. Vivian is school teacher who has children of her own. Grant is upset about the situation that he is in with his aunt Tante Lou, Jefferson's godmother Emma, and Jefferson. He explains to Vivian that they want him to go visit Jefferson to convince him that he is a man and not a hog before he dies in the electric chair. He also starts talking to Vivian about leaving this town but Vivian quickly shoots him down. She doesn't want to move anywhere until her divorce is finalized. She wants Grant to go visit Jefferson if not for his aunt and everyone else then for her.
Chapter 5: Grant is a teacher who teaches through grade 6. His classroom is the local church. Students desks were benches and there were 4 windows on each side of the church. The heat supply for the church came from the wood burning stove. Grant taught 5 1/2 months out of the year because of the children working in the fields. Grant assigned some of the 6th graders to teach the youngest of the grades so that everyone could be taught. He didn't have enough time to teach all of the seperate grades in one day. During this particular day, he was very irrtated by anything because of the Jefferson situation. This resulted in Grant smacking a student across the back of the head with a ruler for playing with a bug and him ending up telling the entire class about the task that he had to do. At the end of the day a student told Jefferson that Henry Pichot wanted to see him. Grant said he knew why Henry Pichot wanted to see him.
Chapter 6: The beggining of this chapter starts out with Henry Pichot's maid Inez opening the door that let into the kitchen for Grant. Grant, even know the reason for him being at Henry's, asked Inez why he was asked to come there. Inez said that Henry Pichot's brother the sherrif, Sam, was arriving at 5 so Grant could speak to him about visiting Jefferson while he was in jail. After waiting a little over an hour in the kitchen, Miss Edna came in and started to hold a conversation with Grant. Miss Edna asked Grant a lot of personal questions and then declared how broken up she was about the Jefferson matter. Then she told Grant that the sherrif would talk to Grant after dinner, even after Grant had been waiting an hour already to speak to him. After about 2 1/2 hours, Grant was finally approached by the sherrif and Henry. The conclusion of the conversation was that Grant could visit Jefferson as long as there is no sign of aggravation from Jefferson.
Chapter 7: Grant gets news from Farrell Jarreau, who got the news from Henri Pichot, that the superintendent was going to visit the school. Grant told all the children to bathe and wear their best clothes each morning to prepare for his coming. Students were sent outside to watch for the the superintendent. If the children saw a car they were to immediately tell Mr. Wiggins. Finally, one of the cars was Dr. Joseph. He came in the classroom and asked a few of the children different questions about what they had been learning, what their names were, and if they had said their bible verses that morning. After he was finished, Grant and Dr. Joseph were talking, when Grant asked for more supplies for the classroom. Dr. Joseph just responded that they "[were] all in the same shape."
Chapter 8: Grant's classroom gets their first load of wood for the winter. He tells the children they would stand in the corner if they looked out the window, even out of the corner of their eyes. Henry Lewis, a short black man with hardly any teeth, and Amos Thomas, a thin, brown-skinned man, delivered the wood to the school. As the children are chopping wood, Grant thinks back to when he was in their same position. This is when we are introduced to Matthew Antoine, Grant's old teacher. Grant visits him at his house and the whole time he is there, Matthew continues to tell Grant that he should just run away from everything. To get away from this place.
Chapter 9: Grant and Miss Emma go to visit Jefferson. They arrive at the courthouse, their pockets and belongings are checked, and they are walked to the Jefferson's cell, where the guard locks them in. Jefferson lay on his bunk just staring at the ceiling the whole time they were there. He did not respond to them or even look at them because he felt that nothing mattered anymore. This caused Miss Emma pain and even caused her to cry.
Chapter 10: Grant and Miss Emma's next two visits were similar to the first. He wouldn't eat the food or even speak to them. The fourth time Grant went to visit Jefferson he went alone because Miss Emma was sick. Grant's aunt pushes him to go even though he really doesn't want to go alone simply because he doesn't see the point in it either. Miss Emma really wants Grant to go too but feels bad that she can't go with him. "I'm sorry, Mr. Grant, I'm helping them white people to humiliate you. I'm so sorry. And I wished they had somebody else we could turn to. But they ain't nobody else."
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Chapter 11: This time when Grant went to visit Jefferson he had to talk to Guidry first. He explained to Grant that he needs to stop visiting if Jefferson becomes agitated. Grant was lead upstairs to Jefferson’s cell. Jefferson had his head lowered. Jefferson believes he is a hog and would not eat anything but corn because that’s hog food. He then got on all fours and ate the food from the bag like a hog would. Grant wanted to leave but he could not because then the sheriff would know he was NOT getting through to him.
Chapter 12: In this chapter, Grant goes to Miss Emma's after visiting Jefferson in jail. Then, we are told of Jackie Robinson and Jow Lewis and how their great contributions to the world were for blacks. We are able to make clear comparisons between these men and Jefferson and it makes the reader think who a great person can fail once and be such a worldwide dissapointment. Grant begins to plan the lies he will tell Miss Emma about Jefferson so she will not worry about him while he is in prison. Grant also visits Vivian at the schoolhouse and asks her to go have a drink. Their relationship is officially revield to others even though "they all know" already.
Chapter 13: Grant visits Miss Emma in this chapter. He lies as he had planned to do and tells her nothing but "He was alrgiht" (98). Grant give no more information to Miss Emma reguarding how Grant is doing and this upsets her. she knows there has to be more and asks Grant what they talked about. Reverand Ambrose asks if they talked about God and was upset to hear Grant confess that they "...didnt get around to that..." Grant didnt go to church that Sunday but felt guilty as he sat at the kitchen table and heard the voices coming from the early morning mass. He had hurt Miss Emma; and he knew that.
Chapter 14
This is the first time Vivian is at Grant’s place where he lives. She describes his place as “Rustic [and] pastoral” (104). Grant offers Vivian something to drink, coffee and eat, cake. Grant states how it is the saddest day of the week, being its Sunday because he doesn’t believe in going to church. Vivian disagrees with Grant because she thinks it’s the best day for the reason that the workers don’t have to work in the field. She thinks, “It’s really peaceful” (105). They then clean up their dishes and continue to the field. As the text continues they are discussing baby names. We find out that Vivian is pregnant but we are unsure of by whom. If the baby is Grants its not well because she is married to another man and having an affair with Grant. On the contrary, if the baby is her husband its not good because she is going to be divorcing him. Either way for Vivian right now, things aren’t looking up.
Chapter 15
Grant brings Vivian back to the house where Miss Eloise, Miss Emma, and Inez were all sitting. When they enter the kitchen the three ladies give a feeling of non-approval to Grant and Vivian, but they proceed to enter and talk in the kitchen. The three ladies almost interview Vivian asking about her religious beliefs. Before Vivian leaves, she goes back inside by her self to quick grab her jacket. To sum up what the ladies say is that she is almost too much of a lady and too good with quality to be with Grant.
Chapter 16
It starts off with Grant starting to get more general plan for his Christmas play that is approaching. When Grant finally gets home that day he walks in the door and knows its bad news and there’s no way out. Miss Emma, Miss Eloise, and Reverend Ambrose are sitting waiting for him. They question him on telling the truth of how well Jefferson was really doing up at the jail. When Miss Emma went and tried to talk to Jefferson they said he was physically there but mentally absent. Jefferson was also making remarks about what hog would or wouldn’t do. It ended with Miss Emma telling Grant that he had no option except to keep going back to visit Jefferson.
Ch. 17: Grant and Paul (one of the sheriffs) are talking about Jefferson. Pauls is jut letting Grant know how Jefferson has been doing. The conversation starts out, " 'How's he doing?' I asked. 'He's doing all right,' the deputy said. 'Does he ever eat the food we bring him?' 'Some of it,' the deputy said.' " That kind of small talk went on for a while .
WEEK 2: Historical Backround at the time of our novel (1940-1949) This time was the period between the Great Depression and the recovery of its effects. It includes the rise of communism in Eastern Europe. Which triggered the cold war.
During this time, racism and discrimination are extremely prevalent. Our story takes place in Louisiana, where many blacks are living. racism and prejudice in 1940's (this link shows multiple cases of racism and prejudice in the 40's for blacks)
Almost all places are segregated with all black movies, churches, schools, bars, and other public places are in the "back of town" (25).
The segregation of the people are what lands the main character helpless in jail and sentenced to death.
The racial issues is one of the main concepts in the book. Jefferson was the last one alive at the robbery scene in the store. He had two choices which were to run or to stay at the scene. Either way he would look guilty. The cops see a black boy standing there and there are no second thoughts about whether he was guilty or not from an all white jury. He was black so he must have done the crime is the way they saw it. In this time period, everyone was still very racist but the following examples are ways that showing the amount of segregation and discrimintaion aganist blacks was starting to lessen.
Jackie Robinson was an silently influential person to our main character Grant in the 1940s.
Born in Georgia, he broke the baseball color barrier and became better than any white man who played baseball.
He was a large part of the Civil Rights Movement when it began for being such a legendary figure in sports.
JACKIE ROBINSON STEALS HOME
JOE LOUIS KNOCKS DOWN MAX SCHMELING
Joe Louis was a very inspiring black man in the 1940's. Born May, 13 1914 in La Fayette, Alabama. He was the first black professional boxer to go to Germany and defete a white man. He participated in 27 championship fights, including 25 successful title defenses. He was named the greatest heavyweight of all time by the International Boxing research. Joe Louis was the first African American to be known as a nationwide hero in the United States. He also broke the color barrioer in golf, he integrated the sport. His most famous match was against Max Schmeling. Louis' training for the famous match was playing golf. Joe Louis lost the first match against Schmeling. A few weeks before the rematch, Louis visited the White House, where President Roosevelt told him, "Joe, we need muscles like yours to beat Germany." Louis later admitted: "I knew I had to get Schmeling good. I had my own personal reasons and the whole damned country was depending on me." Louis won the rematch and became a national hero.
Joe Louis died on April, 12 1981. He was only 66 years old.
Total fights
68
Wins
65
Wins by KO
51
Losses
3
Draws
0
No contests
1
*HOW THIS RELATES TO OUR NOVEL.* This relates to our novel because Grant is the main character who is struggling to make Jefferson feel like a man.
The community does not believe that Jefferson is innocent and he has given up.
Grant is like Robinson in the fact that even though he is not succeeding, he is not saying anything at all about his failure and he just might succeed.
All of this might also foreshadow the change in the mood of Jefferson.
WEEK 1:
Main Characters!
Jefferson- African american male. Twenty-one years old. Accused of murder in the first degree, and robbery. Sentenced to the electric chair. Has a godmother, Miss Emma, who he calls "nannan". Electric ChairTimeline
Grant Wiggins- An african american teacher who grew up on the Pichot plantation. He was raised by Tante Lou, his aunt. He is in love with a woman named Vivian Baptiste. He is now needed by Miss Emma to go and see Jefferson and make him a man before he has to go to the chair. Grant doesn't fully know what he is going to say to Jefferson to convince him that he is a man and not a filthy animal that the lawyer and justce sysem has made him out to be. Grant witnessed the full blown affect of how Jefferson felt about himself when he knelt on the ground and started to eat the food that Grant brought for him "like a hog." The Rights of African Americans During 1940's
Henry Pichot- The Owner of the place that Emma worked at. He is a very rich and powerful man in this novel. Emma, who brings Tante Lou and Grant along with her, asks Henry to ask his brother, the sheriff, to let Grant talk to Jefferson. As time goes on, when Grant approaches Henry on his own time about the situation, Henry shows no respect when he keeps Grant there for hours waiting to be approached by him because he is busy at dinner with friends. Soon enough, Henry talk to his brother and Grant is granted permission to visit Jefferson while he is in jail.
Vivian- Grants girlfriend. She is seperated from her husband and is going through the process of getting a divorce. She has two children. She is also a school teacher like Grant who teaches in Bayonne. Vivian wants her relationship with Grant to be on the DL because her divorce isn't finalized yet.
Reverand Ambrose- He is the Religious leader in the community. He doesn't really approve of Grant because Grant has confessed and also showed through his actions that he doesn't believe in what Reverand Ambrose is teaching. Reverand Ambrose pushes Grant to go visit Jefferson. He even asked Grant what he should bring to Jefferson whenhe goes and visits. Grant lists some things and Reverand added a bible.
Miss Emma- She was Jefferson's Godmother. She worked hard for Henry Pichot cooking for his plantation that he owned. She is the one who initiated that Grant go to see Jefferson to convince him that he is a man and not some hog before he dies an unfairly given death. She understands the concept that it is too late to beat the justice system but its not too late to convince Jefferson of the individual that he is instead of the one that he was given by the lawyer.
by: Ernest Gaines
Week 4:
Chapter 18- This time, when Jefferson has visitors he decides indifferently that he wants to meet them in the day room. Miss Emma, Tante Lou, and the Reverend go to meet Jefferson. It's very hard to see him because his hands and feet are shackled. Miss Emma tries her hardest to get some acknowledgment from Jefferson. She tries to get him to eat. She offers, and she even tried hand feeding him; he wouldn't eat. A few days later Grant visits Jefferson. Just like the previous days, Jefferson refuses to eat, even when Grant eats in front of him. Jefferson still thinks he's a hog. They start talking about if He was born or died on Christmas. Then Jefferson remembers He was nailed to the cross on Easter. Jefferson still doesn't believe he is a human, simply a hog.
Chapter 19- It's Christmas time and Grant puts on a program for the community. The kids find a small pine tree. Under that one small simple gift that the kids help raised money for.
The kids put on the program, and others sing songs. People in the community who did not normally show up for Church, showed up because they knew they were doing it for Jefferson. It was a great turn out seeing so many people. However, Grant is getting sick of the routine of the Christmas program. Maybe that's not the only thing that needs to change....
Death Penalty, Inhumane?(Even in today's society the death penalty is under big discussion whether it is humane and inhumane. And in today's more radical world, it would seem to be more acceptable, but yet its still a sticky situation. So as far back as this book, and with racial discrimination, its a hard thing to face.)
Chapter 20- This is a crucial chapter. Grant is called down to Mr. Henri's immediately to talk. As Reverend and Grant wait in Mr. Henri's house, they seem anxious. Once Ms. Inez brings them in, Guirdy, the sheriff, arrives a little bit later. Mr. Henri and Guirdy precede to tell Reverend and Grant the date of Jefferson's execution. It will be the friday after Easter and between twelve and three. The same time when He died. Grant askes why that day, and he finds out its because it couldnt happen before Easter due to lent, and had to be the week after for the same reason. Grant seems distraught, and begins to think. White men decided to sentence him, and now a white man was deciding when Jefferson should die? Seems a little inhumane to let anyone pick another person's death...
Chapter 21- Earlier Grant was chosen to tell Miss Emma of Jefferson's unfortunate fate. But he did not want to. But Grant finally decides to come home, where many people are there. Grant sees her laying under her quilt and seeming very sick. Grant goes home, eats, and starts a few fires to warm the house. Then, Vivian is at the door. They have some coffee and get to talking about being together. Whether Vivian should stop in at Miss Emma's or not. Vivian is nervous because she wants everyone to like her. Grant lets her know that regardless if they do or not, he just wants her. They decide to head over and see her. As Grant introduces Vivian to people, he then goes to see Miss Emma. She lets him know she doesnt know when she can go see Jefferson again because she is so sick. Miss Emma just wants Reverend and Grant to get along. Vivian and Grant end up going to the Rainbow Club. They begin talking, and Vivian asks if Irene is in love with him. They start to argue. Basically Grant states that all black men end up leaving, and because of that, Irene just wants him to be around because no other men in her life were. This is just a vicious cycle that Miss Emma wants to be broken by Jefferson's case. Vivian asks if this cycle never ends, and Grant replies, "It's up to Jefferson, my love."
Chapter 22- In this chapter, Grant decides to go visit Jefferson; this time in his cell. Grant was the first visitor since Jefferson finding out the date of his death. Grant walks in, and sets food on the floor by him. Jefferson ends up asking what day it is, and if today was going to be like :that: day. Grant replies with, "I hope its the kind of day you want,Jefferson." Jefferson starts to get a little angry. He had never gotten anything he wanted his whole life. Jefferson is then quiet. He starts to speak again, saying how he wants a gallon of vanilla ice cream and wants it on that last day. As Grant continues to try and cheer him up, he decides he will buy Jefferson a radio. Grant goes straight to rainbow and collects the 20 dollars needed for the radio. He then buys the radio and brings to to the sheriffs office to give to Jefferson. After he leaves the office, he goes back to Rainbow, hoping Vivian will be there so they can sit in "semidarkness" alone.
Chapter 23- In this chapter, Grant has gotten Jefferson a radio. Grant found out that ever since he has dropped it off for Jefferson he hasn't turned it off. Emma, Tante Lou, and Reverand Ambrose all went to visit Jefferson but they had to go to his jail cell this time instead of the day room because Jefferson didn't want to be away from his radio. After the visit had happened, Emma Tante Lou and Reverand Ambrose sat down and talked to Grant about how they didn't like it at all that he had given Jefferson that "sin box." They all referred to the radio as a sin box because it played music other than the music that was played at church. After this confrentation, Grant went back to visit Jefferson with some nuts and candy. They talk for a little bit about the radio and then Grant comes up with the idea that Jefferson should have a notebook and pen so he can write his thoughts down that he wants to express. Grant then leaves after Jefferson tells him to thank the children for the nuts that they gathered for him.
Rosa Parks Standing Up For Her Rights The Way Grant Wanted Jefferson To Stand Up For His
Chapter 25- Grant walks into the Rainbow Springs after he is done visiting Jefferson. He is hoping to talk to Vivian about the great progress that he is making with Jefferson. Grant notices that the Reverand is upset that he isn't the one making the proper progress with Jefferson but Grant is instead. Vivian isn't there once Grant arrives so he decides to grab a seat at the bar and grab a drink until she got there. Grant then overhears two white carpenters in the back booth talking about the situation with Jefferson and what Grant was doing about it. After a while of these two men making inappropriate comments and finally snickering at Grant as he got up from the bar to leave Grant lost it and got into a huge fist fight with them and ended up being knocked unconcience by the owner Claiborne.
Chapter 26- Grant wakes up from the big fight at Rainbow Sprig in Vivian's house flustered and confused. Vivian explains what happened with Claiborne and the two men and then things start to heat up between Grant and herself. Vivian says that she is disgusted with the way that Grant acted about things and thats how men get killed. Aside from the fact that she is upset about the entire situation, she tells Grant that he should stay the night because of the condition that he is in. She then starts to fix up some dinner for the two of them. After they both sit down to eat, Vivian explains that her ex husband wont allow the divorce to happen unless that it is agreed upon that he can see the children every weekend. Grant quickly gets upset and starts telling Vivian that he needs her. Grant knows she is upset already about what he has done and tells her that he will go once dinner is over. The night ended with Vivian asking "What is love?" after Grant tells her that he loves her and that she wants some answers. Grant almost storms out the door into a dark night but then holds back and finally ends up going back and burying his face in Vivian's lap.
How Grant Changed.
Grant has changed a little bit throughout the book. In the beginning, when he was asked/ told to go to the jail and visit Jefferson, he really didn’t want to go. At first he was ok going as long as he went with Miss Emma. Then he started going by himself, even though he wasn’t really getting anywhere with Jefferson. And even though Jefferson hardly said anything, Grant still kept trying. When Jefferson started talking more, Grant started bringing him things. Grant was always bringing the food that Miss Emma made until she was able to visit Jefferson again and bring the food herself. Grant then stared bringing Jefferson things himself. Grant brought Jefferson a radio to keep in cell to keep him entertained. Once Grant gave him that radio, Jefferson started talking more and opening up. After that, Grant got a notebook and pencil for Jefferson so he could right down his thoughts when they came to him. This way, Grant could get a better understanding of what was going on in Jefferson's head because Jefferson didn't talk too much.Grant went from not wanting to visit Jefferson, to buying things for him, and really opening up to him.
Grants Mask
Grant creates for the reader an image of himself as a tough guy school teacher but his mask is covering who he really is. In one scene in chapter 5, it is describing how brutal Grant is on his children. For an example in this particular scene, Grant states, "Everything was irritating me. I Caught one of the students trying to figure out a simple multiplication problem on his fingers, and I slashed him hard across the butt" (35). This shows where the school teacher part of him comes in. In addition the tough guy part of Grants image comes in when he takes up a fight at the bar because of him over hearing a conversation about Jefferson. The fight is three to one, Jefferson to 3 other guys. It ends with the bartender breaking it up, no one winning, and Vivian coming to get Grant to take care of him.
Underneath this image of mask, the readers find out who he really is. Grant is talking to Jefferson and confesses to him about what he really feels. He states, "I need you much more than you could ever need me. I need to know what to do with my life. I want to fun away, but go where and do what? I'm needed here and I know it, but i feel that all I'm doing here is choking myself. I need someone to tell me what to do. I need you to tell me, to show me. I'm no her; I can just give something small. That's all I have to offer. It is the only way that we can ship away at the myth. You- you can be bigger than anyone I have ever met," which would include himself (193). This shows Grant is lost in a way. He doesn't know what to do, where to go, and what is right from wrong when it comes down to himself. He puts on a strong image for the children at school but behind closed doors, he is far from a strong individual.
Jefferson's mask:
‘ “Nothing don’t matter,” he said, looking up at the ceiling but not seeing the ceiling.’ This quote shows that Jefferson is wearing a carefree “mask”. Nothing he eats, none of the people he sees, and nothing he does matters to him. He feels that since he is going to the chair soon anyways, it won’t make a difference whether he eats the food, talks to the people, etc. As characters in the book, it is hard to see past this quote that shows that Jefferson doesn’t care. As a reader however, it is clear that he does care even if he doesn’t say he does. He wants to live the best he can before he has to go to the chair. He likes when people, Grant especially, visit him. You can tell that he is putting on the mask of carelessness. ‘ “I want me a whole gallona ice cream”, he said, still looking out the window. I saw a slight smile come on his face, and it was not a bitter smile. Not bitter at all.’ Jefferson can still be happy that he has a little time to live and that Grant is willing to bring him little things to keep him happy until his death. Grant has this same mask on around his aunt. You can tell he cares because he is willing to get Jefferson those things. And, when he gets his radio, he even goes back and gives it to him the same day, along with making sure that it was a new radio.
In the beginning, Jefferson was timid and quietly accepted the punishment he knew he did not deserve; that being the death penalty and time in jail. He is stubborn and set in his “ways” and not a soul was going to change that. The first time we see this is during Grant’s first visit to Jefferson in his jail cell.
“I’m an old hog,”
“you’re a human being too Jefferson”
“I’m an old hog…old hog they fattening up to kill for Christmas,”
At this point in the conversation between Grant and Jefferson, it seems inevitable that Jefferson will die a hog. That is his own view of himself and that’s how it is going to be.
At this time, he proceeded to show Grant how much of a hog he was by eating like a hog from the floor.
After some time however, and countless unsuccessful visits, he began to warm up to Grant. He started to want specific things. He could open up and talk to Grant, showing he is becoming less hard headed.
Him and Grant began to bond, visiting eachother more often and someimtes in the dayroom.
Jefferson does not yet call himself a man yet he no longer calls himself a hog.
At one point, he actually cries, showing he has feelings again (a sign of humanity).
“He smiled now because he had something pleasant to look forward to,” (170-171).
Jefferson requested Ice Cream for his last Day. A WHOLE GALLON.
He has wishes, requests. He is happy and wants to be, he knows his fate is his fate so he might as well go happy.
Jefferson has changed in that he now accepts help and comfort of others. This is happy. J
Week 3:
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1- "I WAS NOT THERE, yet i was there." This is how the book starts. The book is believed to be begin this way so the reader has to hear Jefferson's story and pick which side we think is right; Jefferson's or the courts. In the first chapter we meet a few key people in the book. Jefferson, the man accused of a brutal crime. We meet Brother and Bear, the two men who actually did the crime. It is told that Brother and Bear picked up Jefferson so make a run to this liquor store ran by Mr. Gropé. Mr. Gropé was confronted by Brother and Bear. Jefferson was just standing there watching what was going down. Brother and Bear want some booze but don't have enough to pay for it, so they proceed to take it anyways. Mr. Gropé says no, don't come any further. Then there were some shots fired and everyone but Jefferson ended up dead. However, the court finds Jefferson guilty because he was the only one there, and he's a black lower class individual so of course, he must be wrong. Jefferson's lawyer/attorney presents the case that Jefferson is not a man, he didn't know any different. He took the money and booze because he was scared and didn't know what else to do, but he did not kill anyone. Why would Mr. Gropé shoot Brother and Bear but not Jefferson? Because he did nothing wrong. We also meet Jeffersons grandmother and godmother. Jefferson is accused of being a hog, and not a man. The end of this chapter gives Jefferson's death penalty: death by electrocution(the electric chair.)
Chapter 2- In chapter two, we meet even more new characters. It starts off in the first person, most likely the narrator of the book, Grant. Grant goes home to his aunt Tante Lou and Miss Emma. In this chapter the reader finds out that Grant is a teacher. The chapter starts out with Grant, Tante Lou, and Miss Emma talking. The ladies bring up Jefferson's trial and how they "called him a hog." And how they gave Jefferson death. Then the point was brought up that Jefferson should die a man, not a hog. They want Grant to go talk to Jefferson and try to make him a man. Just as Grant was about to leave to Bayonne Miss Emma and Tante Lou wouldn't let him leave unless he went to the quarters to speak with Mr. Henri. In the end of the chapter they are all about to head out and go see Mr. Henri.
Chapter 3- This chapter is where Grant, Tante Lou, and Miss Emma arrive at the plantation where Mr. Henri is. They walk in and see the maid, Inez Lane. Inez Lane then asks what they need and she goes to get Mr. Henri. Meanwhile Grant starts having flashbacks to when he used to be on the plantation. He had flashbacks about bringing in wood from outside, and picking fruit. At that time Miss Emma was the cook meaning she was at the plantation too. Once Inez came back, Miss Emma started talking to Mr. Henri. Miss Emma was asking the favor of Mr. Henri to help Jefferson in his trial so he knew he wasnt a hog, but that he was man. Mr. Henri responded that he couldnt gaurantee anything,and that he would talk but that it wasnt up to him, it was up to Jefferson. then when Miss Emma kept talking Mr. Henri ignored her and kept drinking and talking to his friend. Miss Emma is giving up on the fact that Jefferson will die a hog.
Chapter 4: Grant has just gotten back from seeing Henri Pichot at his house with Emma and Tante Lou and decides that he needs to go to the Rainbow Club, a typical hangout spot, to clear his mind of things. When he arrives, he calls Vivan, which is his lover at the time, to come meet him there because he wants to see her. Vivian is school teacher who has children of her own. Grant is upset about the situation that he is in with his aunt Tante Lou, Jefferson's godmother Emma, and Jefferson. He explains to Vivian that they want him to go visit Jefferson to convince him that he is a man and not a hog before he dies in the electric chair. He also starts talking to Vivian about leaving this town but Vivian quickly shoots him down. She doesn't want to move anywhere until her divorce is finalized. She wants Grant to go visit Jefferson if not for his aunt and everyone else then for her.
Chapter 5: Grant is a teacher who teaches through grade 6. His classroom is the local church. Students desks were benches and there were 4 windows on each side of the church. The heat supply for the church came from the wood burning stove. Grant taught 5 1/2 months out of the year because of the children working in the fields. Grant assigned some of the 6th graders to teach the youngest of the grades so that everyone could be taught. He didn't have enough time to teach all of the seperate grades in one day. During this particular day, he was very irrtated by anything because of the Jefferson situation. This resulted in Grant smacking a student across the back of the head with a ruler for playing with a bug and him ending up telling the entire class about the task that he had to do. At the end of the day a student told Jefferson that Henry Pichot wanted to see him. Grant said he knew why Henry Pichot wanted to see him.
Chapter 6: The beggining of this chapter starts out with Henry Pichot's maid Inez opening the door that let into the kitchen for Grant. Grant, even know the reason for him being at Henry's, asked Inez why he was asked to come there. Inez said that Henry Pichot's brother the sherrif, Sam, was arriving at 5 so Grant could speak to him about visiting Jefferson while he was in jail. After waiting a little over an hour in the kitchen, Miss Edna came in and started to hold a conversation with Grant. Miss Edna asked Grant a lot of personal questions and then declared how broken up she was about the Jefferson matter. Then she told Grant that the sherrif would talk to Grant after dinner, even after Grant had been waiting an hour already to speak to him. After about 2 1/2 hours, Grant was finally approached by the sherrif and Henry. The conclusion of the conversation was that Grant could visit Jefferson as long as there is no sign of aggravation from Jefferson.
Chapter 7: Grant gets news from Farrell Jarreau, who got the news from Henri Pichot, that the superintendent was going to visit the school. Grant told all the children to bathe and wear their best clothes each morning to prepare for his coming. Students were sent outside to watch for the the superintendent. If the children saw a car they were to immediately tell Mr. Wiggins. Finally, one of the cars was Dr. Joseph. He came in the classroom and asked a few of the children different questions about what they had been learning, what their names were, and if they had said their bible verses that morning. After he was finished, Grant and Dr. Joseph were talking, when Grant asked for more supplies for the classroom. Dr. Joseph just responded that they "[were] all in the same shape."
Chapter 8: Grant's classroom gets their first load of wood for the winter. He tells the children they would stand in the corner if they looked out the window, even out of the corner of their eyes. Henry Lewis, a short black man with hardly any teeth, and Amos Thomas, a thin, brown-skinned man, delivered the wood to the school. As the children are chopping wood, Grant thinks back to when he was in their same position. This is when we are introduced to Matthew Antoine, Grant's old teacher. Grant visits him at his house and the whole time he is there, Matthew continues to tell Grant that he should just run away from everything. To get away from this place.
Chapter 9: Grant and Miss Emma go to visit Jefferson. They arrive at the courthouse, their pockets and belongings are checked, and they are walked to the Jefferson's cell, where the guard locks them in. Jefferson lay on his bunk just staring at the ceiling the whole time they were there. He did not respond to them or even look at them because he felt that nothing mattered anymore. This caused Miss Emma pain and even caused her to cry.
Chapter 10: Grant and Miss Emma's next two visits were similar to the first. He wouldn't eat the food or even speak to them. The fourth time Grant went to visit Jefferson he went alone because Miss Emma was sick. Grant's aunt pushes him to go even though he really doesn't want to go alone simply because he doesn't see the point in it either. Miss Emma really wants Grant to go too but feels bad that she can't go with him. "I'm sorry, Mr. Grant, I'm helping them white people to humiliate you. I'm so sorry. And I wished they had somebody else we could turn to. But they ain't nobody else."
Chapter 11: This time when Grant went to visit Jefferson he had to talk to Guidry first. He explained to Grant that he needs to stop visiting if Jefferson becomes agitated. Grant was lead upstairs to Jefferson’s cell. Jefferson had his head lowered. Jefferson believes he is a hog and would not eat anything but corn because that’s hog food. He then got on all fours and ate the food from the bag like a hog would. Grant wanted to leave but he could not because then the sheriff would know he was NOT getting through to him.
Chapter 12: In this chapter, Grant goes to Miss Emma's after visiting Jefferson in jail. Then, we are told of Jackie Robinson and Jow Lewis and how their great contributions to the world were for blacks. We are able to make clear comparisons between these men and Jefferson and it makes the reader think who a great person can fail once and be such a worldwide dissapointment. Grant begins to plan the lies he will tell Miss Emma about Jefferson so she will not worry about him while he is in prison. Grant also visits Vivian at the schoolhouse and asks her to go have a drink. Their relationship is officially revield to others even though "they all know" already.
Chapter 13: Grant visits Miss Emma in this chapter. He lies as he had planned to do and tells her nothing but "He was alrgiht" (98). Grant give no more information to Miss Emma reguarding how Grant is doing and this upsets her. she knows there has to be more and asks Grant what they talked about. Reverand Ambrose asks if they talked about God and was upset to hear Grant confess that they "...didnt get around to that..." Grant didnt go to church that Sunday but felt guilty as he sat at the kitchen table and heard the voices coming from the early morning mass. He had hurt Miss Emma; and he knew that.
Chapter 14
This is the first time Vivian is at Grant’s place where he lives. She describes his place as “Rustic [and] pastoral” (104). Grant offers Vivian something to drink, coffee and eat, cake. Grant states how it is the saddest day of the week, being its Sunday because he doesn’t believe in going to church. Vivian disagrees with Grant because she thinks it’s the best day for the reason that the workers don’t have to work in the field. She thinks, “It’s really peaceful” (105). They then clean up their dishes and continue to the field. As the text continues they are discussing baby names. We find out that Vivian is pregnant but we are unsure of by whom. If the baby is Grants its not well because she is married to another man and having an affair with Grant. On the contrary, if the baby is her husband its not good because she is going to be divorcing him. Either way for Vivian right now, things aren’t looking up.
Chapter 15
Grant brings Vivian back to the house where Miss Eloise, Miss Emma, and Inez were all sitting. When they enter the kitchen the three ladies give a feeling of non-approval to Grant and Vivian, but they proceed to enter and talk in the kitchen. The three ladies almost interview Vivian asking about her religious beliefs. Before Vivian leaves, she goes back inside by her self to quick grab her jacket. To sum up what the ladies say is that she is almost too much of a lady and too good with quality to be with Grant.
Chapter 16
It starts off with Grant starting to get more general plan for his Christmas play that is approaching. When Grant finally gets home that day he walks in the door and knows its bad news and there’s no way out. Miss Emma, Miss Eloise, and Reverend Ambrose are sitting waiting for him. They question him on telling the truth of how well Jefferson was really doing up at the jail. When Miss Emma went and tried to talk to Jefferson they said he was physically there but mentally absent. Jefferson was also making remarks about what hog would or wouldn’t do. It ended with Miss Emma telling Grant that he had no option except to keep going back to visit Jefferson.
Ch. 17: Grant and Paul (one of the sheriffs) are talking about Jefferson. Pauls is jut letting Grant know how Jefferson has been doing. The conversation starts out, " 'How's he doing?' I asked. 'He's doing all right,' the deputy said. 'Does he ever eat the food we bring him?' 'Some of it,' the deputy said.' " That kind of small talk went on for a while .
WEEK 2:
Historical Backround at the time of our novel (1940-1949)
This time was the period between the Great Depression and the recovery of its effects. It includes the rise of communism in Eastern Europe. Which triggered the cold war.
During this time, racism and discrimination are extremely prevalent. Our story takes place in Louisiana, where many blacks are living.
racism and prejudice in 1940's (this link shows multiple cases of racism and prejudice in the 40's for blacks)
Almost all places are segregated with all black movies, churches, schools, bars, and other public places are in the "back of town" (25).
The segregation of the people are what lands the main character helpless in jail and sentenced to death.
The racial issues is one of the main concepts in the book. Jefferson was the last one alive at the robbery scene in the store. He had two choices which were to run or to stay at the scene. Either way he would look guilty. The cops see a black boy standing there and there are no second thoughts about whether he was guilty or not from an all white jury. He was black so he must have done the crime is the way they saw it. In this time period, everyone was still very racist but the following examples are ways that showing the amount of segregation and discrimintaion aganist blacks was starting to lessen.
Jackie Robinson was an silently influential person to our main character Grant in the 1940s.
Born in Georgia, he broke the baseball color barrier and became better than any white man who played baseball.
He was a large part of the Civil Rights Movement when it began for being such a legendary figure in sports.
JACKIE ROBINSON STEALS HOME
JOE LOUIS KNOCKS DOWN MAX SCHMELING
Joe Louis was a very inspiring black man in the 1940's. Born May, 13 1914 in La Fayette, Alabama. He was the first black professional boxer to go to Germany and defete a white man. He participated in 27 championship fights, including 25 successful title defenses. He was named the greatest heavyweight of all time by the International Boxing research. Joe Louis was the first African American to be known as a nationwide hero in the United States. He also broke the color barrioer in golf, he integrated the sport. His most famous match was against Max Schmeling. Louis' training for the famous match was playing golf. Joe Louis lost the first match against Schmeling. A few weeks before the rematch, Louis visited the White House, where President Roosevelt told him, "Joe, we need muscles like yours to beat Germany." Louis later admitted: "I knew I had to get Schmeling good. I had my own personal reasons and the whole damned country was depending on me." Louis won the rematch and became a national hero.Joe Louis died on April, 12 1981. He was only 66 years old.
*HOW THIS RELATES TO OUR NOVEL.*
This relates to our novel because Grant is the main character who is struggling to make Jefferson feel like a man.
The community does not believe that Jefferson is innocent and he has given up.
Grant is like Robinson in the fact that even though he is not succeeding, he is not saying anything at all about his failure and he just might succeed.
All of this might also foreshadow the change in the mood of Jefferson.
WEEK 1:
Main Characters!
Jefferson- African american male. Twenty-one years old. Accused of murder in the first degree, and robbery. Sentenced to the electric chair. Has a godmother, Miss Emma, who he calls "nannan".Electric Chair Timeline
Grant Wiggins- An african american teacher who grew up on the Pichot plantation. He was raised by Tante Lou, his aunt. He is in love with a woman named Vivian Baptiste. He is now needed by Miss Emma to go and see Jefferson and make him a man before he has to go to the chair. Grant doesn't fully know what he is going to say to Jefferson to convince him that he is a man and not a filthy animal that the lawyer and justce sysem has made him out to be. Grant witnessed the full blown affect of how Jefferson felt about himself when he knelt on the ground and started to eat the food that Grant brought for him "like a hog."
The Rights of African Americans During 1940's
Henry Pichot- The Owner of the place that Emma worked at. He is a very rich and powerful man in this novel. Emma, who brings Tante Lou and Grant along with her, asks Henry to ask his brother, the sheriff, to let Grant talk to Jefferson. As time goes on, when Grant approaches Henry on his own time about the situation, Henry shows no respect when he keeps Grant there for hours waiting to be approached by him because he is busy at dinner with friends. Soon enough, Henry talk to his brother and Grant is granted permission to visit Jefferson while he is in jail.
Vivian- Grants girlfriend. She is seperated from her husband and is going through the process of getting a divorce. She has two children. She is also a school teacher like Grant who teaches in Bayonne. Vivian wants her relationship with Grant to be on the DL because her divorce isn't finalized yet.
Reverand Ambrose- He is the Religious leader in the community. He doesn't really approve of Grant because Grant has confessed and also showed through his actions that he doesn't believe in what Reverand Ambrose is teaching. Reverand Ambrose pushes Grant to go visit Jefferson. He even asked Grant what he should bring to Jefferson whenhe goes and visits. Grant lists some things and Reverand added a bible.
Miss Emma- She was Jefferson's Godmother. She worked hard for Henry Pichot cooking for his plantation that he owned. She is the one who initiated that Grant go to see Jefferson to convince him that he is a man and not some hog before he dies an unfairly given death. She understands the concept that it is too late to beat the justice system but its not too late to convince Jefferson of the individual that he is instead of the one that he was given by the lawyer.
EXAMPLE OF WHAT A PLANTATION LOOKS LIKE
UNFAIR JUSTICE SYSTEM TOWARDS AFRICAN AMERICANS